1. By Caitlin Feeney January 5, 2010
Esophageal Cancer
By Caitlin Feeney
January 5, 2010

2. Esophageal Cancer
Seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States
Two main types make up 90% of esophageal cancer cases:
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Remaining 10%- melanoma, sarcoma, small cell carcinoma, and lymphoma

3. Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the U.S.
Occurs in the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction
Usually caused by Barrett’s esophagus
Which is in turn caused by chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Can also be caused by obesity

4. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cause of esophageal cancer worldwide
Caused by smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, etc…
Located in the upper esophagus

5. Symptoms The most telling symptom is dysphagia but others include:
Coughing
Regurgitation
Odynophagia
Weight loss
Gastrointestinal bleeding

6. Metastasis Metastasis:
The spread of cancer to other parts of the body
Esophageal cancer is most likely to metastasize to:
The lungs
Liver
Periesophageal lymph nodes

7. Treatment Treatment methods include: Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy
The treatment method depends on location, metastasis, and organs it has spread to
Patients are urged to participate in clinical trials

8. Prevention Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Avoid smoking
Limit alcohol consumption
Avoid things that may irritate esophagus
Prevention of Adenocarcinoma:
If patient has GERD, screen regularly for Barrett’s esophagus
HPV can contribute, practice safe sex

9. Demographics
People are 20 times as likely to develop esophageal cancer if older than 65
Worldwide: increased occurrence in N. Iran, S. Russia, and N. China
In US:
Race: African Americans more likely
Sex: Men develop esophageal cancer more than women at a ratio of 4:1